- Legend of Sleepy Hollow
- Red Hat Luncheons -- "La Tea Da"
- Maple Syrup Time at Deep River
- World War II Tribute
- Voyageur Rendezvous
- Buckley Homestead Corn Maze
- Buckley Homestead Fall Festival
- Earth Day Open House at Gibson Woods
- Not-So-Scary Mini Golf at Cedar Creek
- Oak Savannah Hike/Bike Trail
- Christmas Past on the Farm
- Indiana State Disc Golf
Tournament and Matt Lavosko Memorial Tournament
La Tea DaThe Red Hat Tea for Lake Etta has been cancelled due to a lack of ticket sales.
Open Weekends from August 23 through October 26, 2008
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Admission: $5 per person; or $4 for children ages five through 12; Free for children under age 5
Click here for 2008 theme and map Buckley Homestead Corn Maze
The maze opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. (Everyone must be out of the maze by 5 p.m.). To find all the clues, it takes an average of 1 & 1/2 hours. You may stay in the maze as long as you like or as little.
- The Corn Maze is a great family challenge. Divide into teams and see who finds their way out first. Which team can answer the most Buckley Challenge Questions.
- Groups and school tours may schedule weekday adventures that include educational and fun puzzle sheets.
- School tours may schedule both the Buckley Historic Tour and the Buckley Maze. Bring your lunch and make a day of it on the farm.
BUCKLEY HOMESTEAD CORN MAZE WEEKDAY GROUP RESERVATIONS
For Weekday Group Reservations that are great for school groups, call 219-769-PARK. There is a minimum of 25 people required for a weekday reservation and a $50 deposit.
Weekday group tours may schedule both the Buckley Historic Tour and the Buckley Maze (separate fees required). Bring your lunch and make a day of it on the farm.
The Corn Maze is located just north of the picnic shelters at the parking lot on Hendricks Street.
Buckley Homestead is located east of Lowell, Indiana on Hendricks Road. Exit Interstate 65 at the Lowell Route 2 exit then travel west for 4.5 miles to Hendricks Road then south 1/4 mile.
Christmas Past on Buckley Homestead
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Saturday, December 6, 2008 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Sunday, December 7, 2008 Noon - 4 p.m.
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Admission is $3 per person, children 7 and younger are FREE
Tours of Christmas Past depart from the barnyard every 30 minutes
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Make an old-fashioned ornament for your own tree in the carriage house.
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Then on to the upper barn to learn about holiday legends and listen to Christmas stories. Do you know why we hang stockings from the fireplace mantel?
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Visit the family on the 1850s pioneer farm as they prepare for Christmas. Do you think they’ll take the day off?
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Stop by the 1750s Native American village if weather permits
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Then on to the one-room schoolhouse to watch the schoolchildren prepare for their annual pageant.
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Stir the plum pudding at the hired hands house and make your own holiday wish.
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Finish your day in the historic Buckley main house with a cookie and hot drink.
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And, don’t forget to tell St. Nicholas what you’d like for Christmas
Pay admission and pick up your program pass at the Visitor Center parking lot on Hendricks Road. Please remember to dress accordingly for the weather and the walk along the trail. It can be muddy in December on the farm.
Christmas Past Reserved Group Tours December 8 - 12, 2008. Reservation times vary
Tours for groups may be scheduled by contacting the Lake County Parks office at 219-769-PARK beginning October 1, 2008. Advance reservations and a $20 deposit is required. The fee for the one and a half hour tour is $2 per person (minimum of $20 per group). Students will visit the hired hands quarters at the 1910 farm, the 1850 pioneer log house, and the one-room schoolhouse, where they will take on the role of pupils from the early 1900s. Teachers and group leaders will receive a pre-visit packet when their reservation is confirmed. The "first person" experience is one students of all ages will remember for years to come.
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Not-So-Scary Mini GolfCedar Creek Family Golf Center is decorated for Halloween throughout the month. It's the best time to bring your group to Cedar Creek for fun.
18 hole Miniature Golf Course
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Open daily October 1 - 31 from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
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On October 17, 18, 24 & 25, 2008 we stay open until 9 p.m. (weather permitting). So enjoy the Halloween season with a spirited round of mini golf.
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$4.50 for children 12 and younger or $5.50 for adults
Groups: Call Cedar Creek at 219-365-2902 for reservations. What a great place for a party! Call about our Spooky Snacks Package including mini golf, a devil-ious treat, and hot cocoa or cider. There is a 10 person minimum and 50 person maximum. Call early to book your outing.
Come out to Cedar Creek Family Golf Center the last Friday and Saturday nights in October for our Not-So-Scary Mini Golf. Halloween decorations fill the mini golf to create a spooky atmosphere, but not to spooky for those youngsters who are not fond of the dark. Come dressed up in a costume and receive a treat.
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Oak Savannah Hike/Bike TrailThe Oak Savannah Trail (OST) currently encompasses 8.25 miles from Oak Ridge Prairie County Park to the Prairie Duneland Trail at the Lake/Porter County Line Road in Portage with a break in Hobart. Trail users will be able to access the western segment of the trail from the trail head near the parking lot at Oak Ridge Prairie. This segment runs 6.25 miles to Wisconsin Street in Hobart. The eastern segment, following the Hobart break, may be accessed from a gravel parking lot at the northeast corner of Cleveland Street and State Road 51 in Hobart. This segment is 1.25 miles in length and will take users from the Cleveland/51 intersection to the Prairie Duneland Trail.
Citizens should exercise extreme caution as they use the OST because several at-grade road crossing’s have to be taken into consideration. Main, Chase, Harrison, Madison, Delaware, Georgia, Liverpool, and Union Streets all have moderate to heavy vehicular traffic that affects the OST. Special caution should be taken at Broadway where 30,000 vehicles pass daily. For safety purposes, the Lake County Parks strongly recommends that users at the Broadway intersection travel one block south via sidewalks and cross at the 53rd Avenue stoplight.
Trail users will enjoy the OST as it takes them on a journey through savannahs, remnant prairies, wetlands, lakes, parks, and residential neighborhoods.
The Lake County Parks and the City of Hobart are working together to close the gap between Wisconsin Street in Hobart and the Cleveland/51 intersection in the next few years. Any questions regarding this gap should be directed to the Hobart Parks Department.
"Recognizing and honoring World War II Veterans"
Buckley Homestead Living History Farm
Saturday, MAY 2, 2009 - 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Sunday, MAY 3, 2009 - 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
$5 per person
Children under age 7 FREE
Reenactors from all over the Midwest, and some from as far away as Canada, don authentic uniforms and use restored military equipment to portray that most important time period in our history. Throughout the weekend, the park comes to life with memories of the war years, both military and on the homefront. If you are a veteran, history enthusiast, or would just like to learn more about the 1940s era, this is the place for the entire family. It's wonderful for families and students.
Click here for Daily ScheduleONGOING ACTIVITIES
- Victory Garden displays and demonstrations using wartime recipes by the Lake County Master Gardeners. Heirloom vegetables, flowers and herbs are featured.
- The Buckley Homestead Main House Museum will be open during the program.
- WWII era automobiles on display by Winamac Old Auto Club and others
- Children can learn about rationing stamps near the main house
- WWII Veterans are invited to talk with the public in the Veteran's Tent
- First Aid Station is located in the east section of the carriage house.
- Food Concessions
Notes: Walking Tours, which last about one hour, take the visitor to various vignettes performed by reenactor units. Meet in the barnyard. Hayride alternative for those who cannot walk the route.
The number of people permitted in the Buckley home museum is limited. You may be asked to wait until other leave before you may enter.
PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED INTO THE PARK SITE DURING THIS EVENT.
Please support our corporate sponsors
Super 8 Motel Hebron – About 5 miles east of the park at the intersection of I-65 & Route 2 - For reservations call 219-696-8888 — Centier Bank — Lake Heritage Parks Foundation — First Financial Bank — Tire Barn in Merrillville — Deep River Waterpark
FOR INFORMATION CALL 219-769-PARK
ATTENTION REENACTORS Click here for Reenactor information
Voyageur Rendezvous "A Travelers’ Gathering"
- Grand Kankakee Marsh
- Saturday, May 16, 2009 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Sunday, May 17, 2009 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- $2 per person or children 7 and younger free
Jump into our time machine and hang on! We’re traveling back more than 250 years when Northwest Indiana was primarily a swamp land. The Grand Kankakee River was the major route for travelers and merchant traders in the New World. The Voyageur Rendezvous lets us peek into the lives of these men and women. You will see Native Americans, French-Canadian canoe men, called Voyageurs, British and French militia and many others who would have lived or traded along the Grand Kankakee River.
Bring your family for a day of authentic kid’s games, historic demonstrations, Bobber races, tomahawk toss, musical entertainment, merchants, food, and much, much more. The reenactors are eager to interact with you as they portray life during this Fur Trade Era. Kids receive a “See and Do” Scavenger Hunt list at the admission booth. Mom and Dad… make it a family challenge!
Not all was peaceful during this period. The Native Americans were here, but who did the land really belong to? The following explains the conflict.
Event Schedule
Demonstrations and kids activities will be ongoing throughout the day.
ATTENTION REENACTORS Click here for Reenactor information
Special
School Invite to the Voyageur Rendezvous 18th Century Fur Trade
Era
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Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park
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By Reservation Only on Friday, May 15, 2009
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9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. OR 11:30 a.m – 1:30 p.m. (Two hour tours each)
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$1 per person, children and adults
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Advanced deposit required: $20.00 (minimum)
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Appropriate for 4th - 6th grade curriculum
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Minimum (20 students); Maximum (140 students)
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Call 219-769-PARK M-F 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
History books open wide and come to life as your students visit the 17th century. The Fur Trade Era is bustling with activity when you arrive. Your students will see how the Grand Kankakee River waterway played an important role in early commerce and trade. Native Americans traded furs while the Voyageurs, British, and French clashed over whose land it belonged to. There is plenty for the students to see and hear and learn. They will feel like they just spent a day in the 17th century. The tour is entirely outside, so please dress for the weather. Upon registration, teachers will be sent a confirmation packet, complete with pre or post visit activity sheets. You too, will enjoy jumping back into history! Reserve your time slot now.
Directions to Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park. 21690 Rangeline Road (Clay Street) Hebron Indiana 46341. Exit Interstate 65 East at Rt. 2 to Rangeline Rd. (Clay St) then South for 5 miles.
Legend of Sleepy Hollow
2008
TICKETS GO ON SALE AT DEEP RIVER WATERPARK ON WEDNESDAY,
AUGUST 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. Advance tickets necessary
Dates:
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Friday, September 12, 2008
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Saturday, September 13, 2008
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Friday, September 19, 2008
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Saturday, September 20
Tickets:
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$7 per person (one person may purchase up to 15 tickets)
Sales Date:
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Opening day ticket sales Wednesday, August 27 (in person sales only) from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. After that time, remaining tickets may be purchased at the corporate office or by phone at 219-769-PARK or 219-945-0543 M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. REMINDER: Tickets sell out quickly and may be sold out the first day.
Sales Location:
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Deep River Waterpark, 9001 E. U.S. 30 in Merrillville (4.5 miles east of I-65 on Route 30, just east of the Lake County Parks Corporate Office).
For four magical nights,
Buckley Homestead is transformed into Tarrytown, NY, a quiet, dreamy little
village known to many as Sleepy Hollow. The
village abounds with stories and superstitions, the most famous of which is of
a Hessian soldier who lost his head in the war and rides each night in search
of a new one. Perhaps you’ve
heard of the Headless Horseman?
Visitors will walk with a
guide through Sleepy Hollow as they meet and interact with the town folk in
search for Ichabod Crane, the one person who can tell them all about the
stories of this quaint village. You become part of the
storybook scenes, but be careful! There’s no telling what may cross your path
in the night besides the occasional black cat. It may be the Headless Horseman
himself! This program is a great way to experience the
excitement of classic literature coming to life.
The walking tour is about a mile long on a primitive trail.
Important: For safety
reasons, no flash photography and no smoking is permitted during the program.
Tour times are in the evenings at 6:50, 7:10, 7:30, 7:50, 8:10,
8:30, 8:50, 9:10, 9:30. On the second
weekend, there is also a 6:30 tour.
The program is outdoors and requires walking a bark chip trail lit by luminaries. It has proven a challenge for those who have walking difficulties. Visitors should dress for the weather and arrive on time. Group size is limited and tickets for this magical event go very quickly. All tours begin promptly at their scheduled time and last about one hour. If you get to the park after your tour has begun you will not be able to join your tour.
Lanterns will light your way during the night program, but dress for the weather and be ready to walk. Remember, be prepared for the "unexpected" . . .
Get your tickets early - They sell out fast.
Please note that dogs are not permitted at this special event or in the corn maze. For more information, please call 219-769-PARK
BUCKLEY HOMESTEAD FALL FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 4 & 5, 2008
FEATURING "A Walk Through Time"
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bring the family and friends to a day of fun, great food and some of the best entertainment in all of Northwest Indiana.
Entertainment for all
Traditional Crafts and Demonstrations -- Wood crafters, china painters, spinners, quilters, weavers, and a broom maker, along with others, will demonstrate their skills and sell their wares. The farmers will be in the west pasture and Lake County Master Gardeners will be in the garden.
A Walk Through Time – You’ll travel back in history as you walk along the trail by the pioneer cabin. Reenactors from the Fur Trade Era to the Civil War portray military, civilians and artisans. For good old-fashioned fun, adults and children alike are encouraged to partake in games from days gone by.
Old-fashioned fun for young and old
Games for children - sticks, cat & mouse, bone dice and more.
Great Treats -- Come hungry and eat often. We have ham & bean soup, chicken noodles, steak sandwiches, baked potatoes with everything, apple dumplings, kettle korn, Indian fry bread, and more.
Lots More – Take a hayride ($1 per person for the hayride shuttle around the farm), make a candle or a piece of rope, walk on stilts, jump in a straw pile, visit the museum, learn about the root cellar, and more. The barnyard is filled with activity and most of the animals are in the pasture. Farmers take the opportunity to get the thresher and corn binding machine working. Taste a sample of freshly baked cornbread cooked in the wood-burning stove at the hired hands house. Watch as soap is made in the carriage house or take the hayride shuttle around the historic areas of the park for only $1 per person. Get off the wagon at the pioneer farm and schoolhouse and catch the next shuttle back to the barnyard.
Corn Maze – The corn maze, north of the parking lot, is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. A separate fee is charged for the maze. See information elsewhere on this web page.
Historical Buildings – Buckley Homestead Museum ˇ Pioneer Log House ˇ One-room schoolhouse ˇ Hired Hands Quarters ˇ Buckley Barn
Please note that dogs are not permitted at this special event or in the corn maze.
For more information, please call 219-769-PARK
Old Time and Traditional Craftsmen should call 219-947-7275 if interested in a booth.
Craftsmen Click
here for
an application form
MAPLE SYRUP
TIME 2009
Maple Syrup Time on the Weekends Warm days and cold nights signal the trees to awaken from
their long winter’s nap and begin the flow of sap. This late winter phenomenon
also indicates to the maple sugar farmer that it’s time to gather the buckets,
drills, and spiles and head out to the sugar bush to tap the trees. This is when
you, too, can see the entire process from tapping to evaporation to the finished
product. Come learn about this truly North American activity, then purchase your
bottle of Deep River Pure Maple Syrup. Outdoor
Weekend Activities: In the Visitor Center: Maple Syrup Time Weekday Field Trip Reservations Deep River County Park
Reservations for group tours
taken beginning January 15, 2009. Watch for group tour dates
The tour includes an Outdoor Interpretive Program
explaining when and how trees are tapped and how the sap is collected. How did
the settlers in North America learn about making syrup from sap? At the Sugar
Shack you will see, through the steam, the entire process from sap to syrup
at the wood-fired evaporator. At the Visitor Center you will learn about
other syrups and get a taste of Deep River’s own brand. Bottles of maple syrup
are for sale, in addition to maple candy and other souvenirs. Each group gets to put a leaf on our maple tree. Much of the
tour is conducted outdoors, so please dress according to weather conditions.
There are indoor alternatives in case of extreme weather. Maple Syrup Time Just for Seniors Deep River County Park Seniors! Break out of your cabin fever and join others in an
enjoyable afternoon of fun as you learn about the making of pure maple syrup
right here in Northwest Indiana. Call in your reservation, then join us for fun, a video, cake
and coffee. You may taste the sweet syrup made right here at Deep River County
Park. Bottles of syrup are available in the gift shop after the program. This
program takes place entirely indoors where it is heated and you can be seated.
No walking! We bring the information to you. So sit back, enjoy the afternoon
and have fun. Be sure to register. Maple Tree Tapping Workshop The workshop will be conducted again in
2010. Watch for dates later. Ask about supplies in the Visitor
Center. You will be able to make your own pure maple syrup if you have
access to large maple trees, a few supplies, and a little instruction. Learn how
and when to tap the trees, how to collect and preserve the sap, and how to
produce your own pure maple syrup. You may already have a drill, some buckets, a
camp stove or grill, bottles and pans. Other items, such as spiles, filters and
sap buckets may be purchased at the workshop. Look what you missed in 2008. Don't be left out
in 2009. Check back here for schedule of events.
2008 Scheduled Events* 9:30
– 11:00 a.m.
Nature Walk -- American
toads are croaking, birds are singing, and the ground is green.
Join us on this walk as we enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as
spring awakens with life. 11:15
– 11:45 a.m. Turtle
Races --Take your
time and enjoy the show at your leisure.
We have three different species of turtles that may move faster
than you think. Come and vote
for the fastest turtle in the park. 12:00
– 12:30 p.m. Snakes
Alive -- Visit Gibson Wood’s resident corn snake.
Here’s your
chance to touch our snake, find out what it eats, discover where it lives
and what it really is. 12:45
– 1:45 p.m.
Pond Dip -- There are more than
fish and frogs found frolicking in the water.
A naturalist will saunter down to a swale to show us some
sensational swimmers. Bring
your keen eye to spy these cool critters. 2:00
– 3:00 p.m.
Are You Smarter Than A Naturalist?
Turn
off the TV and test your nature knowledge against a panel of Master
Naturalists with this fun filled exciting game show.
Can you identify one of Indiana’s venomous snakes?
What tree produces acorns? What
is Indiana’s state insect? Come
early and sign up to be a contestant. All
Day Activities: Join
us inside where, throughout the day, you can make a buzzing bee, plant a
flower or fill out your own coloring book.
Test your nature smarts at the Guess Me Table and try to identify
poison ivy, scat and skulls, or figure out the puzzles in the Nature
Action Book. See our resident
snake and feel a live turtle. *All activities are rain or shine because the weather is always fine at
Gibson Woods Indiana State Disc Golf
Tournament Lemon
Lake County Park
Sunday, July 27, 2008
First Tee Times: 9:30 a.m. Lemon Lake Disc Golf Course is one of the premiere courses
in the Midwest. Bringing in disc
golfers from surrounding states, this tournament is challenging to play and fun
to watch. Novice and Amateur players
can expect advice and support from the pros while they play in this prestigious
tournament. Cheer on the players as
they astound you with the distance, accuracy, and strategy of their play.
Professional, amateur, novice, and junior players are encouraged to
participate. For
more information call: Brian Cummings 1-800-636-2001 7th
Annual Homie’s Fall Classic Matt
Lovasko Memorial Tournament Remember
Matt, Meet his friends, Hear his stories, Feel his spirit, Celebrate his life. Lemon
Lake County Park Disc Golf Course
October 12, 2008
First
Tee time: 9:30 a.m. Pre-Registration
strongly suggested. Make checks
payable to Red Roc DGC. Include
name, address, phone, PDGA#, division, and shirt size with your check to:
Red Roc DGC
8036 Jefferson St.
Munster, IN 46321 For
more information: Brian Cummings 1-
800-636-2001 DISC
GOLF COURSES AT LEMON LAKE Lemon
Lake has two 18-holes courses and is open year-round.
Gate
fees apply when gatekeeper is on duty. The Blue Course has a total of 5,341 or 5,936 yards depending on the tee
box with a par of 57 For information call 219-769-PARK (7275) - 219-945-0452 FAX Updated June 12, 2008
Earth Day Open House at
Gibson Woods
Disc Golf Tournaments
Lake County Parks and Recreation Department
8411 East Lincoln Highway ... just west of Deep River Waterpark
Crown Point, Indiana 46307